8 Restaurants in Northport With Outdoor Dining

It’s been seven months since the Coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. While most of us did our best staying indoors during lockdown and quarantine, the time has come to adapt to a new way of life, which includes social distancing, mask-wearing, and taking extra precautions when visiting our local businesses.

Nearly 60% of restaurant closures this year are due to Coronavirus, so supporting our local businesses is the best way to continue stimulating the economy. To help cope, nearly every restaurant in Northport area offers the option for take-out, curbside pick-up, and fast delivery through the means of the freelance drivers of UberEats, GrubHub, and DoorDash.

But for those who need to see something other than their home’s four walls, here's a compiled list of eight locally-owned restaurants with outdoor dining so that you and the whole family can enjoy eating out without worry. And, what’s even better, all of these restaurants are between $20 and $30 per person so that you won’t break the bank!

The Purple Elephant

Good If You Like: Seafood, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Popular Menu Items: Buffalo Cauliflower Salad, Thai Elephant Wings, Proper Whopper

Where to Find It: 81 Fort Salonga Road W, Unit B

Why I Like It: More and more, specialized restaurants are becoming popular. Whether you're gluten-free, vegan, or prefer a juicy burger, the Purple Elephant can satisfy the whole family. The best part? Almost every item on the Purple Elephant's menu is organic, so that you can feel real good about what you order.

Bistro 44

Good If You Like: American (New), Seafood

Popular Menu Items: Marinated Skirt Steak, Braised Beef Short Rib, Bistro Baked Clams

Where to Find It: 44 Main Street

Why I Like It: A fancy night on the town is often enjoyed by those who go to Bistro 44. Dress to the nines, order some wine, and try something new from their ever-changing seafood menu, like oysters, ribeyes, or burgers--all for under $30 per person (on average).

Brew Cheese

Good If You Like: Cheese, Meats, Charcuterie Boards, Fondue, Beer Gardens

Popular Menu Items: Raclette, Grumpy Goat, Buffalo Blue Grilled Cheeses

Where to Find It: 40 Woodbine Ave

Why I Like It: Brew Cheese is unlike any other restaurant on this list--and that's because it specializes in serving cheese-based items, like grilled cheeses, fondues, charcuterie boards, which are all complete with beer pairings and recommendations. What's even better is that its servers are extremely knowledgable on their menu items, and can even offer specific recommendations according to your likes.

Nina’s Pizzeria

Good If You Like: Pizza, Salad, Subs, Pastas

Popular Menu Items: Short Rib Ragu, Fried Calamari, Baked Ziti

Where to Find It: 487 Main Street

Why I Like It: Nina's is located on a quiet and beautiful street a few minutes away from downtown Northport. Its patio is gorgeous and private, complete with a small goldfish pond that runs along the side fence. Nina's has plenty of variety that is sure to satisfy upscale tastes to the pickiest of eaters, with pizza, pastas, entrees, and subs.

The Whale’s Tale

Good If You Like: Seafood

Popular Menu Items: Bang Bang Shrimp, Filet Mignon, Crispy Fish Tacos

Where to Find It: 81 Fort Salonga Road, Unit A

Why I Like It: It's a place with a view! The Whale's Tale is an excellent reminder of how gorgeous harbor side dining can be. As you enjoy your fish tacos and sangria, you'll be surrounded with upbeat music from Jimmy Buffett and today's hits. Plus, their tacos are inexpensive without compromising the quality or quantity.

Sweet Mama’s

Good If You Like: American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch, Diner Dinners

Popular Menu Items: Eggs Benedict, The Big Daddy, The Little Mama

Where to Find It: 9 Alsace Place

Why I Like It: When Mom doesn't feel like cooking, you have to get your homestyle food from somewhere--and Sweet Mama's is the place to go for it. With expansive brunch and dinner options, you can enjoy omelettes and chicken and waffles at any time of the day.

Skipper’s Pub

Good If You Like: American (New), Seafood, Pubs

Popular Menu Items: Fish and Chips, Lobster Roll, Blooming Onion

Where to Find It: 34 Main Street

Why I Like It: This pub is not like any other pub you've been in: With a simple yet versatile, high-quality menu, you can satisfy everybody with classic seafood favorites, like lobster, fish, and calamari. The outdoor dining is located on the sidewalks along Woodbine and Main, with plenty of seating options and space.

Feed and Grain

Good If You Like: Seafood, Steakhouses

Popular Menu Items: Lobster and Mussels, Sesame Mahi Mahi, Fish and Chips

Where to Find It: 73 Main Street

Why I Like It: When you're looking for good food with plenty of specials, Feed and Grain is the place to go. You can enjoy a seafood and American-based menu with the whole family, with plenty of dinner and lunch specials to choose from every day.

Honorable Mention: Tim’s Shipwreck Diner

Good If You Like: American, Diners, Breakfast & Brunch, Seasonal Specials

Popular Menu Items: French Toast, Fish and Chips, Bisque and Soups

Where to Find It: 46 Main Street, Northport

Why I Like It: Tim's Shipwreck Diner deserves an honorable mention because of its authenticity, popularity, and constant recognition! Tim's is nearly always packed--and for good reason. It has that classic home-cooked taste with an enormous menu full of breakfast, brunch, and seasonal options. It was also featured as Darlene's Diner in In & Out, a 1997 comedy starring Kevin Kline, Tom Selleck, Joan Cusack, Matt Dillon, and Debbie Reynolds. Most recently, Grace was shot there as well with hometown actress Marisa Vitali.

You can check out the full collection here, where I've compiled a Yelp! list of these restaurants (plus a few more), which includes more information like operating hours, photos, and full menus.

Disclaimer: I have not been paid to list these restaurants nor am in any type of partnership with them.